Consultant Ecologist

Learn about our new exciting job opportunity.

Johns Associates is a small, award-winning multi-disciplinary consultancy with Investors in People Platinum status. As a CIEEM Registered Practice, we pride ourselves in providing high quality advice and sustainable and creative solutions for our clients. We work across a wide variety of sectors and have a strong reputation for dealing with complex and challenging projects, providing the best outcomes for our clients, the environment, and local communities. 

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic Consultant Ecologist to join our friendly and experienced team. This is a full-time, permanent position, based at our Grade II listed offices in beautiful Bradford on Avon (near Bath) with hybrid working available if preferred (three days in the office/on Site and two working from home). 

What you will be doing:

• Protected species and botanical/ habitat surveys and condition assessments. 

• Producing robust PEA reports, species survey reports and technical notes. 

• Assisting with ecological impact assessments, BREEAM and Habitats Regulations Assessments. 

• Acting as an Ecological Clerk of Works for a range of projects. 

• Undertaking BNG assessments using the statutory metric and liaising with clients to ensure habitat design proposals can achieve the required BNG to satisfy legislation and planning policy. 

• Producing Biodiversity Gain Plans and HMMPs. 

• Project management. 

• Assisting with EPS licence applications and supervision. 

What you need to bring:

• Graduate/ post-graduate degree in a relevant subject and appropriate membership of CIEEM.  

• 2-3 years relevant consultancy experience, with at least 1 year at ecologist level. 

• Experience of conducting field surveys and producing robust ecology reports. 

• Experience of using the statutory metric for BNG (although training will be provided). 

• One or more NE protected species survey licences an advantage. 

• Competent botanical ID skills desirable (FISC Level 3 or equivalent). 

• A thorough understanding of the UK planning system and relevant UK and European legislation and planning policy, and standard protected species survey methodologies. 

• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle insured for business use. 

• Experience of managing projects, site supervision and liaising with junior staff, clients, wider project teams, subcontractors, and seasonal survey assistants. 

• Excellent attention to detail. 

What We Offer: 

In addition to the opportunity to work on a wide range of interesting projects across a number of sectors and to develop your skills and experience in a supportive environment, Johns Associates offers the following benefits and rewards to all staff: 

• Competitive salary (£27K - £31K, dependent on skills and experience)  

• Hybrid working, with three days in the office or on site required each week 

• A balanced approach to the busy survey season, ensuring all staff have the opportunity to take Recovery Time 

• Opportunity to work in a friendly and experienced team of 10 ecologists on a range of development and conservation-led projects 

• Contributory pension scheme*  

• Employee Health Cash Plan and Bupa Private Health Care scheme**  

• Annual leave entitlement of 28 days (pro-rata), plus Bank Holidays 

• Up to 5 days external CPD allowance per year, plus internal training and work-shadowing opportunities  

• Company sick pay scheme** 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Payment of annual CIEEM membership and support to achieve membership upgrades 

• Payment of renewal fees for NE survey licences 

• Access to company and/or hire vehicles, plus payment of business mileage  

• Company laptop and iPhone 

• Full PPE provided 

• Discretionary annual profit-related bonus 

* After 3 months 

** On successful completion of a six-month probationary period. 

If you have some but not all of the above experience, please do feel free to apply as we will consider your application and how your experience aligns to this role. 

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter/ email to ljohns@johnsassociates.co.uk